Starting the school year well is a big deal for any building, and it is especially important to administrators. On the other hand, there are many principals and superintendents who do not know what they should do to light a spark under their teachers and staff.
A keynote speaker is often a wonderful choice for schools, but who do you choose? What topics will they cover? Utilize these tips to find the right person to meet your staff and curate an experience that is wonderful for everyone involved.
Choose the Right Speaker
Keynote speakers are all different, they cover varying topics, and they all have a unique ethos. For example, you may reach out to an older gentleman who has been working in the industry for decades. He has vast experience and perspective that often leads to deep conversation.
Some schools or districts may reach out to a younger speaker who is there to lend energy to the occasion. This feels different, but it helps add some excitement to the moment rather than leading everyone to intense thought.
You know your team best, and that is why it is imperative that you collect a list of names and ask for feedback. In the end, you will bring in the person who has the appropriate presence and vibe for your teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff.
Keynote Speakers Are There to Ask Questions
Yes, teachers and staff need as much time as they can get to prepare for the school year. However, they often don't have time to sit down and wrestle with questions that will lead them into the school year with purpose and a plan for growth.
A speaker you have chosen to open the year might ask the following questions:
- What are your goals this year?
- What do you love about teaching?
- What do you enjoy about this school?
- Do you feel connected to this community?
Questions like this naturally spill into a conversation amongst your team that will help them prepare for their students. Yes, there is some soul searching to be done, but you don't want school to be a superficial experience for anyone.
What if the Speaker Meets With Students?
You can take this plan a step further and ask the person you have chosen to meet with students. Yes, the content will be different, but it helps tie the teachers and students together with a common purpose. Your students have been asked the same questions, and they might even learn a few activities they can enjoy with their teachers or aides throughout the year.
Start the School Year Right With a Keynote Speaker
When you want to start the school year perfectly, bringing in a keynote speaker to meet with your teachers and staff is an excellent choice. You want to match the topic of the day with the needs of your school, get feedback from your team on who they would like to see, and make time for questions and mingling so that this experience does more than waste a few hours. Teachers and staff will appreciate the investment made into their development, which in turn sets students up for a better year of success.
